September 25, 2006

Port, Public Transportation Security Recommendations Identified in Conference’s 2005 National Action Plan on Safety and Security in America’s Cities

Congress and the Administration should provide full and flexible funding for port security needs including:

• Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Detection and Prevention Systems;

• Video Surveillance and Threat Detection Cameras;

• Fiber Optic Communications Connectivity;

• Access control communications;

• Command and control facilities;

• Personnel and detection dogs for screening and checking cargo and passengers;

• Federal funding mechanism to sustain the significant annual operating costs for the reoccurring maintenance of the new security systems and security personnel; and

• Issue Letters of Intent for multi-year funding to ports with plans to carry out long-term security improvements.

Congress and the Administration should provide full and flexible funding for public transportation security needs including:

• Permanent chemical, biological and explosive detection systems in bus and rail stations;

• Video surveillance and threat detection cameras on board public transportation vehicles and in bus and rail stations;

• Increased surveillance via closed-circuit TV on bus and rail and in stations;

• Automated bus and rail locator systems;

• Redesign of infrastructure to eliminate hiding places;

• Fencing and barriers, lighting, alarms and access control for tunnels, bridges, interlockings, track, yards and facilities;

• Fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to Amtrak tunnels on the Northeast Corridor; and

• Dedicated funding for transit-related research and development technology.